Northern California

After our guided tour yesterday, we are both in awe of the Redwoods. They are so majestic and absolutely beautiful. Today we decided to strike out on our own, and drive south to see another part of the forest. A few miles south of Eureka is a road that parallels Route 101 called Avenue of the Giants.

What a stunning drive that was. Redwoods even larger than what we saw yesterday. It was well worth the time spent to drive down to there. On our way back, we noticed a road that went out to the West and then North towards Eureka, and we decided to check that out.

A twisty, winding road that rose slowly up into the mountains with fantastic scenery along the way.

After a couple of hours in the mountains, we started to descend. Towards the bottom, we came upon the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.

The road went along the coast for about 5 or 6 miles, and then back up into the mountains, finally arriving at a little town called Ferndale. Ferndale is known locally as the "Victorian Town". There are numerous buildings and houses that were built in the 1800's in the Victorian style, and have been restored.

Finally arriving back at our hotel around 5pm, we went out to an Irish Pub for dinner. Tomorrow we will stroll around the historic district of Eureka, and take it easy. We will have to be on the road Tuesday by 6am to drive down to San Francisco.

Cheers!